The question asked was: If you don't believe in god, what do you believe in? Through out the years, almost all of the time I have been annoyed by this question. First, I am agnostic. It is just as much of my fiber as my brain. I find the question intrusive. At times I explain the existence of god can not be proven, and believe prayers are useless and not answered. Of course this opens up a can of worms. The only time I ask someone about their belief in a higher power is when doing 12th step work...

I limit opinions when I share in meetings. There are members who take offense or feel defensive. I am getting to the higher power subject soon. Bear with me. I think alcoholism is an inherited disease, and many alcoholics are born with a genetic predisposition that may lead to alcoholism/addiction. And, many people who do not inherit those conditions can become addicted through learned behavior with repeated abuse of alcohol.

I find this is sometimes necessary to voice in meetings,...